Roots In Island Falls
When Tom York talks about K&T Fire Equipment, he doesn’t start with himself. He starts with the fire departments he serves and the trust that’s been built over more than three decades in the fire service business. From Island Falls, Maine, K&T has grown into a familiar name across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, focused entirely on helping fire departments get the right trucks, service, and support they need to protect their communities.
From Gear Sales To Apparatus
Tom launched K&T in 1991, teaming up with his uncle Ken after an early career that included time in engineering school, work as a Chevrolet mechanic and supervisor, and a consulting role with Great Northern Paper Company. What began as a small family business selling turnout gear, nozzles, boots, and other equipment soon evolved as Tom’s background and instincts told him they should be doing more: building and supporting fire trucks.
A Partnership Takes Shape
That shift led directly to K&T’s partnership with Metalfab. When Tom first approached Metalfab, the company already had sales representatives in his territory, but he saw an opportunity to bring a different level of attention to the market. Over time, K&T proved itself to be a committed dealer, growing its sales team, expanding its service capabilities, and representing Metalfab in a way that put the needs of local departments first.
Keeping Trucks Ready For The Call
Today, K&T focuses on fire apparatus sales and a robust repair and service operation that has grown steadily for decades. Its technicians handle everything from engine and pump work to electrical repairs, refurbishments, and preventative maintenance, ensuring that Metalfab trucks in the region stay ready for the next call. That hands‑on, long‑term support aligns closely with Metalfab’s own approach: custom‑built apparatus, tailored to each department, backed by responsive service and knowledgeable partners.
Representing The Customer, Supporting Metalfab
For Tom, the passion comes from representing both sides well. He is clear that once a contract is signed, K&T’s job is to advocate for the customer while honoring the trust Metalfab has placed in them as a dealer. If there’s an issue, K&T works to resolve it, protecting the investment departments have made in their trucks and the reputation both companies have built on reliability.
In the end, Tom doesn’t see this as a story about himself or even just about K&T. It is a story about a steady, decades‑long partnership between Metalfab—a trusted Canadian manufacturer—and a dealer who shares the same commitment to safety, service, and doing the right thing for firefighters and their communities.
